The Pan Afrikanist Watchman

• The University of Botswana High-Performance Centre, with an investment of more than BWP 500 million, promises to change the landscape of human performance from a sports science, health and lifestyle perspective in Africa and beyond through the areas of Teaching & Learning, Research & Innovation and Stakeholder Engagement. The Centre, led by some of the world’s knowledgeable experts, will serve local, regional and international athletes, corporate citizens, researchers and the broader community.

Gaborone 27 February: International, regional and local key stakeholders will converge at the University of Botswana (UB) Indoor Sports Centre on Monday 28 February 2022 at 14:00HRS to witness the launch the institutions High-Performance Centre (HPC).

The first of its kind in Botswana and one of the world’s best; the University of Botswana High-Performance Centre was established as a regional destination of choice for all-around human and sports performance.

Situated strategically in one of Africa’s leading Universities within its multifunctional Indoor Sports Centre having access to key amenities, the Centre is host to some of the world’s leading experts and equipped with state-of-the-art, high technology equipment.

Having been the home of the 4×4 men’s Tokyo 2020 Bronze medallists, the UB High-Performance Centre, amongst a number of other facilities, such as a 3 418-seater Arena; comprises of performance laboratories tailored to conduct tests specific to Muscular Endurance & Strength, Power, Agility, Aerobic as well as Anaerobic Endurance, Speed, Acceleration, Bio-Mechanical Analysis and Psychomotor.

Furthermore, the Centre has been positioned to provide ancillary consulting service offering to corporate entities on Work-Related Fitness, Rehabilitation, Injury Prevention, Health and Wellness Activities, and Sport Event Management.

The UB HPC has provided expertise to five (5) national teams since inception and more than 120 professional athletes to date. Notably, some of the aforementioned athletes are Amantle Montsho, Isaac Makwala, Christine Botlogetswe, Nijel Amos and Baboloki Thebe.

The HPC Coordinator Dr C.J. Mokgothu noted that “The launch of our Centre is testament to the tremendous, knowledge, talent and skill that we as a university have had the honour of working with and equipping to compete globally.

“We look forward to positively transforming the nation of Botswana and the world through the elevation of human performance physically and psychologically. Whether an athlete, student or corporate entity, we are ready to serve you”.

Professor David Norris, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Botswana highlighted that; “MmaDikolo as we meaningfully refer to our university has been a leader in human capital development in the region for the last 40 years.

“In all our experience and learning as we forge ahead in line with our Strategy 2029 of “Creating a Future for the Knowledge Generation”, the UB HPC serves, amongst many others, a reflection of our commitment towards the socio-economic impact of the lives of Batswana.

“This will not only be achieved through the quality teaching and learning our institution provides but through the commercialization of the research and knowledge output emerging from the HPC.

“Ultimately, the commercialization of this intellectual property is translated to job creation and increase in the quality of living for Batswana as stated in Vision 2036”.

The UB HPC Launch will have in attendance Dr Kevin Subban, Vice-President for Africa of the Association of High-Performance Centres and other key dignitaries within the sport science fraternity.

HPC Team Profile

Dr C.J. Mokgothu Senior Lecturer – Sport Science. Motor Learning & Human performance. HPC Coordinator; Dr T. Tladi – Senior Lecturer – Sport Science – Exercise Physiology; Dr T. Tshube – Senior Lecturer – Sport Science – Exercise Psychology; Dr G. Mokone – Senior Lecturer – Sport Science – Exercise Physiology; Mr K.  Mosimakoko – Lecturer – Sport Science – Exercise Physiology/Athletic Trainer; Mr T. Hubona –Lab Technician- Sport Science; Ms T Gabonthone – Lab Technician – Sport Science; Mr J. Dipeba – Sport & Culture – National Athletic Coach; Mr M. Mbise – Sport Science – Graduate Student; Mr M. Tswaipe – Sport Science – Graduate Student; Ms S. Bakwena – Sport Science – Graduate Student; Mr K. Jongman – Sport Science – Graduate Student; and Mr L. Mantshane – Sport Science – Graduate Student.